The resurgence in popularity of vinyl records presents a unique opportunity for both seasoned collectors and individuals who have inherited a collection. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for turning those records into revenue by selling them online.
Preparing Your Records for Sale
Before listing a record, you must identify its specific pressing, as this heavily influences its value. Examine the record’s inner groove area for the matrix number. This code, along with the catalog number on the album’s spine or label and the details on the center label, helps pinpoint the exact version you own. Online databases have extensive collections of this information for comparison.
Once identified, the next step is to grade its condition, which is a two-part process assessing both the vinyl itself (media) and its cover. The Goldmine Grading Standard is the industry benchmark, using grades like Mint (M), Near Mint (NM), Very Good Plus (VG+), and Very Good (VG). A Near Mint record is nearly perfect, while a Very Good Plus record might have slight scuffs but plays without issue. The cover is graded separately using the same scale, accounting for ring wear, seam splits, or corner dings.
With the pressing identified and the condition graded, you can determine a fair market price. Look up the record on marketplaces and see what copies with the same pressing and in a similar condition have recently sold for. It is important to base your price on actual sales data rather than just the asking price of current listings, as there can be a significant difference.
Where to Sell Your Vinyl Records Online
A. Discogs
Discogs is a specialized marketplace built by and for music collectors. Its main advantage is its comprehensive database, which makes listing your record as a specific pressing straightforward. Listing an item automatically adds it to the wantlists of users seeking that record, creating a direct connection to buyers. The platform is free to list on, but it charges a fee, typically around 8%, upon a successful sale.
B. eBay
As a general marketplace, eBay offers access to a massive global audience that extends beyond dedicated record collectors. This broad reach can be advantageous, particularly for extremely rare or highly in-demand records that might attract bidders from various collectible fields. The platform’s auction format can create competition and drive up the final price. However, the audience is less specialized.
C. Other Platforms
Beyond the two main hubs, several other platforms serve different needs. Amazon Marketplace is an option, though it’s generally better suited for common or sealed records rather than rare collectibles. For local sales without shipping hassles or fees, Facebook Marketplace can be effective. For building a long-term brand, a personal online store via a service like Shopify offers the most control.
Creating an Effective Listing
High-quality photographs are the most immediate way to convey the condition of your record. Use bright, even lighting and take clear shots of the front and back cover, the record label, and the vinyl itself. It is also good practice to photograph any specific flaws you noted during grading, such as a scuffed corner on the sleeve or a mark on the media.
The written description should be both detailed and honest. Start by including all the identifying information you found earlier: the artist, title, catalog number, and any specific pressing details. State the grade you have assigned to both the media and the sleeve clearly. This transparency builds trust and reduces the likelihood of a dispute.
How to Package and Ship Records Safely
Proper packaging is required to ensure the record arrives in the condition you described. The standard materials include a dedicated cardboard vinyl mailer, two cardboard stiffener pads, and a plastic outer sleeve. These mailers are specifically designed to protect the record’s shape and prevent corner damage during transit, so avoid using makeshift boxes.
The packing process itself has a specific order to minimize risk. First, remove the record and its inner sleeve from the main album jacket. This step is designed to prevent the record from shifting inside the cover and splitting the seams during shipping. Place the album jacket and the record (in its inner sleeve) side-by-side within a plastic outer sleeve.
Next, sandwich this bundle between two cardboard stiffeners for rigidity. This complete package should then be placed inside the cardboard mailer, ensuring it fits snugly without too much room to move. Seal the mailer securely with packing tape. When choosing a shipping service, always opt for one that provides tracking information.
Building Your Seller Reputation
Long-term success relies on building a positive reputation. Respond to buyer questions quickly and professionally, both before and after the sale. After the item is delivered, how you handle feedback and reviews can set you apart.
Shipping items quickly after receiving payment is another factor in earning positive feedback, as buyers appreciate promptness. Consistently positive ratings and reviews signal to future buyers that you are a reliable seller. This encourages repeat business and helps your listings stand out.